Michael Flynn's sentencing delayed by judge after dramatic hearing for ex-national security adviser

A federal judge on Tuesday delayed sentencing once again for former national security adviser Michael Flynn -- a surprise decision at a dramatic hearing where the judge tore into the defendant and even questioned whether Flynn committed treason before walking his comments back.

The delay came after Flynn’s attorneys initially declined an offer Tuesday from U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan to delay the sentencing on charges of making false statements to the FBI, amid the judge’s questions over Flynn’s cooperation in a separate case involving illegal lobbying for Turkey. After Sullivan tore into the defendant and warned he couldn’t guarantee that Flynn wouldn’t get jail time, the defense asked for a sentencing delay.

Sullivan suggested a conference hearing for Flynn on March 13.

"General Flynn has held nothing back in regards to the special counsel's investigation," Flynn's lawyer told the court, saying the case involving lobbying for Turkey is the only other area in which Flynn could be of further assistance to prosecutors.

During Tuesday’s hearing, the prosecution told Sullivan that Flynn's cooperation played a role in the indictment this week of two Flynn associates charged with illegally lobbying for Turkey without properly registering under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA). They said Flynn could have been indicted in that case had he not cooperated.